Flames Acquire Rights for Bouwmeester

			2008-2009 Statistics		2010
To Calgary	Pos	Age	GP/MIN	Points	Cap Hit
Jay Bouwmeester	D	25	82	42	UFA
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			2008-2009 Statistics		2010
To Florida	Pos	Age	GP/MIN	Points	Cap Hit
Jordan Leopold	D	28	83	24	UFA
2009 3rd Round Pick

The Flames managed to pull off the deal for the most coveted potential free agent this summer. The Flames have sent Jordan Leopold and their third round pick on Saturday to the Panthers for defenseman Jay Bouwmeester. It was certainly understood that the Panthers were not going to be able to re-sign Bouwmeester to a new deal, so they were shopping the defender around to make sure that they at least get something in return for his signing rights before July 1st.

Both defensemen are still really young and have a lot to give to their new teams, if they can be signed before July 1st. The Flames have $10 million to use on 7 available spots, where the Panthers have over $16 million for 7 spots. Certainly the Panthers had more room for Bouwmeester, but they didn't have the team or the management for him to feel comfortable about signing for the long-term. This will all get some better analysis if these players have signed, but the Flames have likely got themselves in better shape with this deal.